Eberhard Thelander Fischer

Who was Mr Eberhard Thelander Fischer?

Mr Eberhard Thelander Fischer was an 18 (eighteen) year-old Swedish passenger who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1893, Fischer was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage, embarking from Southampton with hopes for a new life that were sadly never realized.

Early Life and Family

Swedish Roots

Eberhard Fischer was born on June 2, 1893, in Farstorp, Kristianstad (Skåne), Sweden. He was the son of Edvard Fisher, a soldier born in 1859, and Johanna Nilsdotter, born in 1865. Fischer came from a large family, being one of eight children:

• Carl August (born 1885)
• Nelly Marie (born 1887)
• Eberhard Ferdinand (born 1891)
• Anna Karin (born 1897)
• Frans Edwin (born 1898)
• Hilma Ingeborg (born 1899)
• Hanna Emilia (born 1901)

Relocation and Humble Beginnings

In the mid-1890s, the Fischer family moved from Farstorp to Verum, Kristianstad. This move would shape young Eberhard’s early life and set the stage for his future endeavors.

Career and Decision to Emigrate

Factory Work

Prior to his fateful journey, Eberhard worked in a factory near his home in Björkeberga, Verum, Skeinge. Despite his young age, he was already contributing to his family’s income, highlighting the economic challenges they faced.

The Decision to Leave

Fischer’s decision to emigrate was not made lightly. Coming from a poor background, he was forced to borrow money to purchase his ticket for the Titanic. This financial struggle underscores the desperation and hope that many immigrants of the time experienced.

The Titanic Journey

Departure and Companionship

Eberhard embarked on his journey with a fellow Skeinge resident, Olof Svensson. Their travel route took them through Denmark, where they purchased their tickets in Copenhagen before making their way to Southampton, England.

A Poignant Farewell

Before leaving, Fischer shared a heartfelt moment with his nephew Herman, saying, “When I come back you’ll surely be a grown-up man.” This touching statement reflects both his optimism for the future and the tragic irony of his fate.

Titanic Passenger Details

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 350036
• Ticket Cost: £7, 15s, 11d
• Embarked: Southampton

The Tragedy and Aftermath

Loss at Sea

Eberhard Fischer perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was only 18 (eighteen) years old at the time of his death. His body, if recovered, was never identified, adding to the heartbreak his family must have endured.

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, the Mansion House Fund provided some financial relief to Fischer’s family:

• 875.52 Kr (£48) paid to his parents
• An additional £50 in damage claims paid on August 23, 1914

Family Legacy

Both of Eberhard’s parents remained in Sweden after the tragedy. In a final twist of fate, they passed away within months of each other in 1941, nearly three decades after losing their son to the sea.

Reflections on a Life Cut Short

Eberhard Fischer’s story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His journey from a small Swedish town to the decks of the most famous ship in history encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants seeking a better life. Though his life was tragically cut short, Fischer’s memory lives on as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic and its passengers.